White Jeans Three Ways

In super exciting news I was one of five winners in April's Thrift Store Runway Challenge, check out the other winners here.

Also, I had the opportunity to guest post at Midwest Style Bloggers and wanted to share the post with you all too.

 White jeans are all the rage right now, but knowing how to wear them isn't always easy, here are few things to keep in mind when choosing to wear white.

1.  Fit is key.  Try on several pair before buying.  Skimmers are a big trend right now, but other styles are available. Bootcut or flare might be more flattering on you, and you'll ultimately look better in a style that fits your body type.  Shape Magazine has a great article detailing this. Here's some of the basics:

• Athletic- The flared jeans silhouette makes your legs look longer and leaner while accentuating your waist.
• Curvy, Tall, or Petite- Bootcut will give you a sleek silhouette.
• Boyish- Skinnys will make you look more shapely than you are.
• Apple- Jeggings are the pant for you, they'll show off your great legs without pinching your waist.

 2.  Cost can make a difference, these jeans can be an investment piece you'll wear for years.                    Consider the quality when purchasing. Is the denim going to stretch within a half hour of wearing them, then fit incorrectly?  Sometimes spending more can pay off.

3.  White is a great neutral and almost anything can go with it! I've put together some great looks to suit almost any occasion.

Here are some other ideas for you:

Click on the picture below to go to the item's website:

Click on the picture below to go to the item's website:

Click on the picture below to go to the item's website:

Here are a few ways I've styled my white jeans:
                       

Look 1/Look 2/Look 3
Linking up with:
Fashion Informant Friday

Lazy Days Barbeque

I'm taking part in a blog series to help you plan and throw the best BBQ this summer. Follow the below links for the all the tips, tricks, and recipes!

Step 1: Planning {Dawn of Joyful Scribblings}
Step 2: Decor / Tablescapes {Cathy of Creations by Cathy}
Step 3: Appetizers {Chelsea of Whatcha Makin' Now?}
Step 4: Main Dishes and Sides {Nicole of Daily Dish Recipes}
Step 5: Desserts!!! {Katie of What Katie's Baking}
Step 6: What to wear {Ginny of My New Favorite Outfit}

I. Love. Barbeques.  They are definitely one of my favorite things about summer and when I was asked to take part it this blog series I was super excited.  Barbeques are an awesome opportunity to get together with great friends, and also a great time to snap some family pictures.  It seems like in the craziness of our lives getting the whole family together and looking nice is easier said than done.  I picked some great clothes for you all that will not only be great for pictures, but also easy, comfortable and affordable too. 

When picking clothes, I always keep a few things in mind and I'd like to share those tips with you today:

1. Is it cotton?  Natural fibers like cotton are always a great breathable fabric for warm temperatures.  Steer clear of synthetic fibers like polyester when you plan to be outside.
2. What's the wrinkle factor?  There's nothing worse then putting on a cute outfit, only to find that sitting in it for a short time equates to an abundance of wrinkles.  Hate that.
3. Is there a pool?  Pick clothes that are easy (especially for kids) to change out of if swimming is involved.  Too much work changing is just no fun.
4. Keep accessories to a minimum.  Now, I LOVE jewelry but loading up on it might make you overdressed for the occasion, and give you some pretty interesting tan lines.  Keep is easy and casual, leave the fancy jewelry to another time. 

          

Shop these items:
Boy's look: Old Navy Rib Waist Linen Blend Cargo Shorts For Baby / Old Navy Plaid Shirts For Baby / Old Navy Canvas Slip Ons For Baby / Old Navy Logo Baseball Caps For Baby / Old Navy Sunglasses For Baby
Women's look: dress / t-strap shoes / Pendant jewelry / nautical rope bracelet 
Men's look:  Old Navy Mens Reversible Shorts 10" / Old Navy Mens Double Prong Belt / Old Navy Mens Lightweight Jersey Polos / Old Navy Mens Faux Leather Sandals 
Girl's look:  Old Navy Girls Chambray Halter Dresses / Old Navy Girls Embellished Sunglasses / Girl's Faux-Leather Capri Sandals | Old Navy / Girls Glitter Bow-Tie Headbands | Old Navy


Now that you have some ideas for how to dress, next comes packing a bag.  As I mom I know the importance of being prepared. You don't always know what the hosts will provide, so it's great to come ready to keep your kids happy and entertained, as well as make sure they are protected from the sun and pesky bugs.  Here are some things I think are important to have with you at any BBQ.

Shop these items: Sunscreen/  Crayola Outdoor 24ct Sidewalk Chalk / Tote Bag : Target / outdoor games at Target / mosquito repellent at Target / Bubbles 80 oz Miracle Bubbles

Choosing The Right Sunscreen

As I mentioned above, it's important to pack sunscreen. Choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky and overwhelming though, before going out and picking one, here are a few things to keep in mind:

SPF
The number on your bottle stands for sun protection factor, and believe it or not, a higher number doesn't equal more protection. The EWG recommends purchasing sunscreens with SPFs higher than 15 but no greater than 50. Studies show that sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 don't offer greater protection, and many doctors argue that a higher number makes many people think a sunscreen lasts longer than one with a lower SPF, causing them to reapply less often, so they're more at risk for burns.

Broad Spectrum
UVB rays are responsible for burning as well as tanning your skin and are the main culprit responsible for skin cancer. And while UVA rays won't cause a sunburn, they penetrate your skin more deeply, leading to signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and sun spots. It's important to protect yourself from both types of UV rays, so look for bottles that say "broad spectrum" or "broad spectrum UVA/UVB."

Water Resistance
If your sunshiny adventures include water or sweating a lot, definitely choose a sunscreen that's water-resistant. Know that these aren't waterproof — they'll only protect you about 40 to 80 minutes in the water, so you'll need to reapply each time you take a dip.
Keep reading to learn which chemicals to avoid and to see a list of the safest, most effective sunscreens. (Source)

Here are some of the top rated sunscreens out there right now:

Best Overall Choice: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30
Best Kids Choice: KidsUV Natural Sunscreen Lotion
Best Athletic Choice: Coppertone Sport Clear Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

Happy BBQing and don't forget to check the rest of these great ladies out!

Planning {Dawn of Joyful Scribblings}
Decor / Tablescapes {Cathy of Creations by Cathy}
Appetizers {Chelsea of Whatcha Makin' Now?}
Main Dishes and Sides {Nicole of Daily Dish Recipes}
Desserts!!! {Katie of What Katie's Baking}

Linking up with:

Yolo Mondays

I Miss Jill

Blog Everyday in May Challenge, Day 12: Who do you miss?

A little over a year ago I lost a dear friend to Cancer.  She bravely fought the battle for nearly a decade, never losing faith in God.  I truly have never seen faith and love in anyone also the way I saw it in Jill and her husband, Ryan.  I've done my fair share of whining and complaining about foolish things, but I've never really had true tragedy happen in my life, not like this.  Jill and Ryan make me want to be a better person, someone who is more loving, and full of faith regardless of the circumstances.  It's easy to praise God when times are good, but our truth faith and character shines the brightest when we're in the middle of pain.  So, here's a small look into who Jill was.

Jill was an amazing friend.  It can be so easy to make situations about us, especially when we're having hard times.  Jill never made it about her.  She was always there to lend an ear, quick to make delicious treats, and always with a smile.  Jill started with being diagnosed with breast cancer, went into remission, then got ovarian cancer and went into remission.  Then she got bone cancer, which eventually spread to her major organs and brain.  The chronic pain associated with this and the tole that Chemo takes on the body is indescribable, but she didn't complain. Ever.  I can't even begin to comprehend this.

Jill was gracious.  The year before Jill passed away her husband Ryan threw her an amazing surprise party.  I'm talking amazing.  He sent letters to different celebraties and asked them to send a birthday message to Jill, and the did!  Richard Simons sent a video, for real and she even got a special birthday message from Mathew Mcconaughey, for real.  The list of celebrities was pretty huge, that along with about 200 family and friends and messages from family and friends across the country made this celebration amazing!  Little did we know this would be her last birthday as she'd pass away a few days shy of her next birthday.

Jill and Ryan had an amazing marriage.  Ryan ran in many cancer walk/runs in support of Jill with her at the finish line waiting for him.  They seriously make me want to be a better wife.

Jill has an amazing family.  This photo was taken recently in memory of Jill.  Her husband Ryan asked us to take a picture of our family holding Dr. Peppers (her favorite drink) in memory of her.  The outpouring of photos could be found all over Facebook.

At Jill's final birthday celebration she came in to the song Firework by Katy Perry, this will forever be her anthem  to me, and that's what I'll leave you with today.  

I miss you Jill!